Through the Eyes of a Child: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures some of soul music's most enduring compositions during a creatively fertile period, giving pianists and singers direct access to songs that defined an era. The piano/vocal/chords format makes these arrangements immediately playable for singers with piano accompaniment, whether for recital, classroom study, or ensemble use. These are songs with genuine emotional depth and harmonic sophistication that reward close musical study.

These songs inhabit a space of sophistication and sincerity: they're smooth without being slick, soulful without indulgence. The arrangements balance lush production sensibilities with intimate vocal storytelling, creating music that feels both polished and deeply human.

This songbook serves singers preparing material for recital, choral directors programming soul and R&B repertoire, pianists studying contemporary songwriting and accompaniment, and music students exploring the harmonic language of 1980s soul. It's equally valuable for music theater students, jazz singers, and anyone building a repertoire of emotionally authentic, well-crafted songs.

• Balance the vocal line with sensitivity to the lyrics; these songs carry real emotional weight, and nuance in phrasing will reveal layers in Womack's songwriting.
• Pay attention to the chord voicings provided; they often suggest the original arrangements' harmonic richness, so explore different voicing options to find what serves the song.
• Let the rhythm section establish the groove through the piano part before adding vocal melody; these songs rely on pocket and feel rather than strict metronomic timing.
• Experiment with the tempo and dynamic range suggested by the chord chart; soul music thrives on flexibility within the pocket, and small shifts in intensity can unlock the song's emotional core.

Feature individual songs as recital selections for advanced singers, or program a thematic set around soul balladry and contemporary love songs. In a music history or appreciation course, these pieces provide concrete examples of 1980s soul composition and arrangement practice. Voice studios can use this repertoire to develop students' interpretation of modern soul standards alongside classical and musical theater material.

• Reading piano/vocal scores with chord symbols
• Interpreting and voicing chord changes in real time
• Phrasing with emotional intention and lyrical sensitivity
• Understanding soul and R&B harmonic language (extended chords, passing harmonies, modal interchange)
• Collaborating between vocalist and accompanist to balance melody and harmonic support